Knowledge and Experience of Child Sexual Abuse among SchoolChildren of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious global public health and social problem that affects children across all communities, irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic background. Despite its widespread occurrence and the profound and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences associated with it, child sexual abuse remains substantially underreported. In this context, the present study aims to assess the knowledge and experiences related to sexual abuse among school children in Kathmandu. 

 Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among 394 students aged 11 to 18 years of two public secondary level schools of Kathmandu. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institution Research Board of Kanti Children’s Hospital (Reference no 799). Probability stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The collected data were entered, processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. 

 Result: Among participants, 49.2% had moderate knowledge, 35.5% had adequate knowledge and 15.5% had inadequate knowledge regarding CSA. Likewise, 33.2% of students reported experiencing sexual abuse, with girls comprising 79.2% of cases (p < 0.001). Nearly half (48.5%) of the incidents occurred in public places. Misconceptions were prevalent on CSA as 73.4% of students believed only girls are victims and 46.7% indicated that victims are often responsible for the abuse. 

 Conclusion: CSA remains a significant yet underrecognized issue among school children, shaped by limited awareness, persistent misconceptions and hesitation to disclose experiences. Strengthening education and awareness at family, school and community levels is essential for prevention.